Forex Debt Crisis at ECG: a threat to sovereignty and economic stability

Ghana’s Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has recently highlighted that a significant portion of its financial distress arises from forex shortfalls, particularly debts owed in US dollars rather than the Ghanaian cedi.

This revelation raises crucial questions about the country’s monetary sovereignty, forex directives, and the broader implications for the financial stability of state-owned enterprises. To address these issues, this commentary delves into Ghana’s legal and regulatory framework, examines the operational challenges facing ECG, and offers policy recommendations.

Sovereignty and currency usage in state transactions
One of the primary markers of a sovereign state is its ability to control and regulate transactions within its borders, including the denomination of such transactions in its local currency. The preference for dollar-denominated contracts or obligations raises concerns about:

Erosion of Sovereignty
By accepting foreign-denominated obligations, Ghana exposes itself to exchange rate volatility, which undermines fiscal stability. This raises questions about the efficacy of Ghana’s forex laws, particularly those governing the denomination of domestic transactions.

Legal Framework for Forex in Ghana
The Foreign Exchange Act, 2006 (Act 723) outlines the legal foundation for forex transactions in Ghana. While the Act permits certain foreign-denominated transactions, it emphasizes the use of the cedi for local trade and services. State-owned enterprises like ECG are not exempt from these regulations, yet they appear to face pressures—either from foreign investors or operational inefficiencies—that necessitate forex-denominated obligations.

Investor Perceptions and Negotiation Dynamics
Foreign investors often demand dollar-denominated contracts to hedge against currency depreciation risks. However, this dynamic challenges Ghana’s sovereignty if state-owned entities are forced to absorb the cost of exchange rate fluctuations.

ECG’s Financial and Operational Challenges
The ECG’s reliance on dollar-based obligations exacerbates its financial instability. The issues at hand include:

Forex Shortfalls and Revenue Mismatches
ECG generates revenue predominantly in Ghana cedis, yet its liabilities are in dollars. This creates an inherent mismatch that worsens during periods of cedi depreciation. For instance, Ghana’s currency has experienced significant volatility in recent years, with double-digit annual depreciation rates.

Debt Accumulation and Operational Threats
The forex shortfalls have reportedly driven ECG’s debt to unsustainable levels, threatening its operational viability. This is especially troubling for a utility provider, as power delivery is critical to both households and industries.

Regulatory Weaknesses
ECG’s predicament suggests a lack of robust regulatory oversight or enforcement of forex-related policies. The Bank of Ghana (BoG), tasked with ensuring forex stability, must reassess its role in managing forex-denominated transactions, particularly those involving strategic national institutions.

Recommendations for a Sustainable Path Forward
To address the challenges raised, Ghana must adopt a multi-pronged approach that strengthens its monetary sovereignty, supports ECG’s financial recovery, and reassures investors of fair treatment. Key recommendations include:

Review and Strengthen Forex Regulations
The Bank of Ghana should rigorously enforce provisions of the Foreign Exchange Act, ensuring that transactions within Ghana are denominated in cedis unless exceptional circumstances dictate otherwise.
– Government-to-investor agreements involving forex obligations must be transparently negotiated, with an emphasis on minimizing dollar liabilities.

Hedge against forex risks
– ECG should adopt financial instruments such as forex hedging to mitigate the impact of exchange rate fluctuations.
– A national stabilization fund could also be established to provide forex buffers for state-owned enterprises during periods of currency depreciation.

Enhance Revenue Collection and Efficiency
– ECG must address inefficiencies in revenue collection, including reducing power theft and ensuring timely payments from both private and government entities.
– Tariff adjustments must reflect cost realities, though care should be taken to avoid undue burden on consumers.

Engage in Transparent Debt Restructuring
– ECG’s existing dollar-denominated debt should be renegotiated where possible. Collaborating with creditors to restructure payment terms can alleviate immediate financial pressures.
– Future contracts must prioritize local currency denomination unless forex obligations are absolutely necessary.

Strengthen Institutional Governance
– ECG and similar state-owned enterprises require enhanced governance frameworks to ensure financial accountability and operational sustainability.
– Capacity-building initiatives should focus on equipping ECG management with the tools to navigate complex financial challenges.

Diversify Energy Sector Financing
– The government should explore alternative financing models, including public-private partnerships (PPPs), to reduce the fiscal burden on ECG.
– Renewable energy projects, which often attract concessional financing, could be a strategic area for investment.

Conclusion
The ECG’s forex debt crisis is symptomatic of broader structural issues within Ghana’s financial and energy sectors. At its core, the problem reflects a tension between domestic monetary sovereignty and the demands of a globalized financial system.

By enforcing its forex laws, addressing inefficiencies within ECG, and renegotiating unsustainable debt obligations, Ghana can safeguard its sovereignty and stabilize its utility sector. Ultimately, a collaborative approach involving the government, the Bank of Ghana, ECG, and investors is essential to ensure that the ECG remains a viable and strategic national asset.

The writer is the Founding CEO of Chief Executives Network Ghana and The Ghana CEO Summit